---
title: Pope Leo XIV Begins Apostolic Journey to South America
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-begins-apostolic-journey-to-south-america
published: 2026-11-09T19:49:14+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/sv/paven/news/2026-11/pave-leo-xiv-var-overtygad-om-att-resan-till-sydamerika-skulle.html
organizations: Dicastery for Communication, Holy See
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope Leo XIV Begins Apostolic Journey to South America

Pope Leo XIV has departed for a twelve day journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The trip follows a lung operation the Pope underwent at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, which had led some to doubt his ability to travel to Latin America.

The journey covers more than 30,000 kilometers and includes 14 locations. Pope Leo XIV will utilize cars, planes, and helicopters to participate in over 50 program items and deliver approximately 40 speeches. He described the mission as part of the duty of the Pope and Bishop of Rome to share the joy of the gospel, proclaim the good news, and show closeness to people in times of joy and sorrow.

During the flight, the Pope formally introduced Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new prefect for the Dicastery for Communication. Alvarado joined the team of the Holy See on November 1, succeeding Paolo Ruffini. Pope Leo XIV praised her creativity, liveliness, and experience, noting that she will assist the Vatican and the Pope with communication during the trip.

Addressing 82 journalists from around the world, including ten from the destination countries, the Pope expressed his pride in his American nationality and his right to vote in the United States midterm elections. He noted that while he is also a citizen of Peru, he could not vote there due to a lack of remote voting options.

Regarding his health, the Pope stated he is in fairly good form, attributing this to faith, a healthy lifestyle, and good doctors. He shared a message for people with cancer, urging them not to be afraid and emphasizing that regular checkups and early diagnosis are the best approach. He further asserted that healthcare should be a right for everyone.

The longest portion of the trip will take place in Peru, where the Pope served as a missionary for more than 20 years. This includes a visit to Chiclayo, where he previously served as a bishop. While on the plane, he received various gifts, including a baseball from the Chicago White Sox and a traditional Andean hat from Chulucanas, where his mission in Peru began.

## This story in other languages

- [Nederlands](https://www.faithfulnews.com/nl/paus-leo-xiv-begint-apostolische-reis-naar-zuid-amerika)
- [Português (Brasil)](https://www.faithfulnews.com/pt-br/papa-leo-xiv-inicia-viagem-apostolica-para-a-america-latina)